The SNCF energy bill will increase by around “1 billion euros” next year, according to the CEO of the railway company.
Towards an increase in train ticket prices in 2023? SNCF CEO Jean-Pierre Farandou does not rule out this possibility, due to soaring energy prices. “We have not decided yet, but we may have to reflect on the price of tickets. […] We may have to raise prices in 2023“, he said this Tuesday morning on Public Senate.
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On the other hand, Jean-Pierre Farandou ruled out any price increase from this year, since the SNCF is covered for 2022 by “multi-year contractsof electricity passed a few years ago, he specified. “Next year, we are less well covered by these advance purchases, so there will be an increase in the energy bill, approximately 1 billion euros“, he underlined, noting that the SNCF was “a major consumer of energy, in particular electricity, EDF’s number one customer“. The increase will depend on the evolution of the railway company’s costs by the end of the year, added Jean-Pierre Farandou.
In addition, the CEO of the SNCF wanted to reassure travelers about the strike of railway workers scheduled for July 6, who are demanding wage increases. She won’t lastonly one day“, he assured. “Maybe it won’t happen, we’ll discuss to try to avoid it“, he added. And even if it takes place,the great departures that follow are not threatened. […] For the big departures, during all the holidays, I don’t think he will have any social problems at the SNCF“, he continued.